Maine delegation asks action on fishing issues

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — All four members of Maine's congressional delegation are asking the federal government for action they say will preserve the viability of the New England groundfishing fleet.

The letter, which was also signed by nine other senators and representatives from Massachusetts and New Hampshire, asks federal officials to fully cover the cost of onboard monitoring of fishing vessels. The delegation says the cost is too much to bear for many fishermen, given the dramatically reduced catch limits they face.

The letter also urges regulators to decide soon whether fishermen can carry over a portion of their unused quota from one year to the next, a decision fishermen say they need so they can plan appropriately.

The delegation's letter was written to Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank.